Abbott Elementary 3×14 “Party” Spoilers Ahead
In the last decade or so (time is a social construct; nothing makes sense anymore—roll with it), subverting expectations has done more damage than good on TV. More often than not, writers will plant the seeds, and then, at the last second, they’ll flip the script around for shock value. In most cases like this, the romance fans are the ones who continue to lose and are left frustrated by the outcome. But Abbott Elementary’s Season 3 finale subverts expectations in the best way by canonizing Janine Teagues and Gregory Eddie’s relationship.
Just last week, in the season’s penultimate, the show made it seem as though it was going to continue drawing out the slow burn. I myself started to detach from the idea that Janine and Gregory would ever happen because, hello, yes, I’ve been burned before. Better pretend like I don’t care than I do, right? Plus, we were all so fixed on Tyler James Williams’ interview about not wanting a romantic relationship that it turns out he lied to keep us surprised (via TVLine).
At first, I was irritated, but you know what? Okay, Tyler James Williams. I’ll take someone lying about not wanting us to get a romance so that we could be more in awe of the outcome. This works. But, let’s remember that in the year of our lord 2024, we’re all a little jaded by how romance is often treated on television. It’s hard not to wonder how the show could’ve gone into the hands of another creator, but Quinta Brunson clearly understands her character, and she understands the relationships. She understands what they all need, which is why Abbott Elementary 3×14 “Party” is such a perfect episode, as it paints the same picture through Janine.
Janine plans the kind of party that caters specifically to each character’s interests, showing them and viewers that even while she wasn’t around during most of the season, she still gets them in a way that nobody else does. Sure, it mostly backfires with Mr. Johnson leaving his station and starting a domino effect, but in the end, it’s still an episode that showcases all the ways the people at Abbott look out for each other. With it, we get to see why Janine and Gregory are so gorgeously suited for each other when he fixes her light and then finally charges in to start their relationship.
It’s the perfect type of kiss for a slow-burn couple and reminds me so much of how The Office once ended Pam and Jim’s pining back at the office—alone, just the two of them. The slow burn heats up quickly, and even in the brief scene we get in the bedroom, we see how well the two of them understand each other and why they could be great together. Gregory sees her bravery, her passions, and everything that makes Janine glow. He understands her. She sees him. They make each other better. It’s a selfless, beautiful friendship that’s now burgeoning into a romance that we know is going to center around taking care of each other and loving one another through every little obstacle.
Now streaming on Hulu or ABC: What are your thoughts on Janine and Gregory in Abbott Elementary 3×14 “Party?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Disney/Gilles Mingasson)